Sleeping with socks on may not be for you if you have circulatory issues, swelling of the feet, or other issues that could potentially increase the likelihood of socks restricting blood flow to your legs and feet. As always, make sure to talk to your doctor about if sleeping with socks on is right for you.
Sleeping With Socks On Written by Eric Suni, Staff Writer Eric Suni Staff Writer Eric Suni has over a decade of experience as a science writer and was previously an information specialist for the National Cancer Institute. Read Full Bio Want to read more about all our experts in the field? Learn About The Editorial Team Fact Checked Learn More Sleep Foundation Fact-Checking: Our Process At Sleep Foundation, we personally test every product featured in our reviews and guides. This hands-on approach allows us to provide accurate, data-driven recommendations for mattresses, pillows, sheets, and other sleep essentials. Guidelines for our testing methodology are as follows: We only cite reputable sources when researching our guides and articles. These include peer-reviewed journals, government reports, academic and medical associations, and interviews with credentialed medical experts and practitioners.
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We’ve all been there: it’s the middle of winter, the bedroom is freezing, and your feet feel like ice. Maybe you throw on a pair of socks simply because it’s so cold, but the rest of the year you dislike the thought of sleeping with socks on.
Would you change your mind if sleeping with socks on regularly could help you regulate your body temperature, fall asleep faster, and even have a more fulfilling sex life? Learn about the surprising, research-backed benefits of sleeping with socks on.
Can Sleeping With Socks on Help Me Fall Asleep Faster?
The human body experiences heating and cooling rhythms throughout the day according to each individual’s own circadian rhythm Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. See Full Reference . During waking hours, human body temperature Trusted Source National Center for Biotechnology Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. See Full Reference sits at about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit and can vary up to half a degree during the day. Lower body temperatures usually precede sleepiness, and evidence suggests that utilizing socks or other foot warming methods may lower your core body temperature and help you fall asleep faster Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. See Full Reference .
What Temperature Will Help Me Sleep?
Research suggests that optimal room temperatures Trusted Source National Center for Biotechnology Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. See Full Reference for sleeping range from 65 degrees to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. While studies show this range is most effective at getting you to sleep, some people prefer their bedroom cooler or warmer.
Gender differences also impact the optimal temperature for sleep. Women have a lower resting metabolic rate than men, which impacts their sensitivity towards chillier sleep environments Trusted Source Science Direct The leading platform of peer-reviewed literature that helps you move your research forward. See Full Reference . Men, on the other hand, are more likely to be resistant to warmer bedroom temperatures. If you sleep with a partner, try to find a temperature that is comfortable for both of you.
Why Wear Socks To Bed?
Setting the bedroom thermostat to a perfect temperature is only part of the equation for getting the best sleep possible. As our body increases melatonin production near the end of the day to prepare us for sleep, our core body temperature starts to drop Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. See Full Reference . Wearing socks can help a process called distal vasodilation Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. See Full Reference , which refers to an increase of blood to your hands and feet that reduces your core body temperature Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. See Full Reference quicker.
Increasing blood flow by warming the feet, either through wearing socks to bed or other means, can help you fall asleep quicker Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. See Full Reference . In one research study, participants who used socks or other foot warming methods not only fell asleep quicker but they reported staying asleep longer Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. See Full Reference and experiencing an overall better quality of sleep.
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While wearing socks to bed might not help every sleep-wake disorder, evidence suggests that warming the feet before bed can reduce symptoms of insomnia Trusted Source Merck Manual First published in 1899 as a small reference book for physicians and pharmacists, the Manual grew in size and scope to become one of the most widely used comprehensive medical resources for professionals and consumers. See Full Reference . One research study demonstrated that warming feet for 20 minutes before bed reduces insomnia symptoms Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. See Full Reference as well as fatigue. In a separate study, people suffering from insomnia experienced better sleep after warming their hands and feet Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. See Full Reference .
However, research also suggests that elderly patients with insomnia do not experience any changes in their symptoms when increasing foot warming techniques. Age may play an important role in the efficacy Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. See Full Reference of feet warming’s effect on sleep.
In addition to falling asleep faster and staying asleep longer, you may enjoy more advantages when wearing socks to bed.
Prevention of Menopausal Hot Flashes
Menopausal hot flashes are due to an increase in core body temperature Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. See Full Reference , which can happen during waking or sleeping. While there are other factors affecting hot flashes, such as hormone levels Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. See Full Reference , we know that wearing socks to bed helps the body decrease core body temperature and therefore may help you avoid those midnight hot flashes.
Believe it or not, in addition to improving sleep, wearing socks to bed could boost your sex life as well. One research study found that 80% of couples who wore socks achieved orgasm from sex, compared to the 50% previously studied without socks. While more research needs to be done, it’s clear that increasing blood flow Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. See Full Reference and skin temperature helps people achieve orgasm.
Reduced Symptoms of Raynaud’s Syndrome
Raynaud’s syndrome involves a tight restriction of small arteries Trusted Source Merck Manual First published in 1899 as a small reference book for physicians and pharmacists, the Manual grew in size and scope to become one of the most widely used comprehensive medical resources for professionals and consumers. See Full Reference in the hands and feet, often due to exposure to cold. Wearing socks to bed can help stave off the cold, especially during winter, and might help prevent you from experiencing Raynaud’s syndrome symptoms.
Prevention of Cracked Feet
There’s no better time to pamper yourself than while you sleep! Apply a healing balm or lotion to your feet before bed, then cover with socks to help your feet stay moisturized. Make sure that you use a clean pair of socks each night and occasionally take breaks to prevent bacteria growth.
Who Shouldn’t Sleep With Socks On?
Sleeping with socks on may not be for you if you have circulatory issues, swelling of the feet, or other issues that could potentially increase the likelihood of socks restricting blood flow to your legs and feet. As always, make sure to talk to your doctor about if sleeping with socks on is right for you.
Can Children or Infants Sleep With Socks On?
Research on sleeping with socks on is limited to adults. Therefore, it is difficult to make an evidenced-based decision about if kids and babies should sleep with socks on. Too tight of socks might contribute to a restriction in circulation, which could be dangerous. Talk to your doctor to determine if sleeping with socks on is best for your baby or child.
What Kind of Socks Are Best?
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If you think sleeping with socks on might be for you, there are a few different types of socks you can try. Look for socks that are loose enough to allow proper blood circulation, and avoid compression socks. Also, opt for socks that do not retain moisture, which could encourage bacterial growth. For example, socks made of natural materials are often better than those made of synthetic materials, like polyester. Make sure you change your socks every night and wash your feet regularly.
Here are some of the best nighttime sock options to try:
Cashmere or Merino Wool Socks allow for an adequate build up and expulsion of body heat due to the small size of their fibers. These socks are usually very soft and comfortable. However, they are often more expensive than other types of socks. Wool socks and sleepwear have been demonstrated to Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. See Full Reference reduce sleep onset
allow for an adequate build up and expulsion of body heat due to the small size of their fibers. These socks are usually very soft and comfortable. However, they are often more expensive than other types of socks. Wool socks and sleepwear have been demonstrated to Cotton Socks also allow for adequate heat build up and subsequent expulsion without trapping moisture and allowing bacteria to grow. Try finding cotton socks that are on the big side to ensure a loose and comfortable fit.
also allow for adequate heat build up and subsequent expulsion without trapping moisture and allowing bacteria to grow. Try finding cotton socks that are on the big side to ensure a loose and comfortable fit. Bed Socks are made specifically for sleeping in. They are loose, thick, and also prevent moisture and bacteria from growing. You can find them easily online.
What if I Hate Socks?
You can still achieve the sleep benefits of sleeping with socks on even if you hate the feeling of socks during the night. Here are some ideas:
Take a foot bath or warm shower before bed
Wear warm slippers before bed
Give yourself a warming foot massage (or enlist the help of a partner)
Place a heating pad on low at the foot of your bed before you go to sleep (in accordance with all safety precautions outlined by the manufacturer)
How Does Wearing Socks To Bed Impact Sleep Hygiene?
Wearing socks to bed may help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, so it could become an important part of your sleep hygiene routine.
Sleep hygiene refers to the habits, behaviors, and environmental factors present during our bedtime routine. Someone looking to improve their sleep hygiene habits might try freshening up their bedroom, incorporating relaxation techniques before bed, or adjusting their exercise routines. There are many ways to build good sleep hygiene. If sleeping with socks on helps you fall asleep quicker, then consider making it a part of your sleep hygiene.
Whether you chose to sleep with socks on or take a bath before bed, adding a habit that includes warming your feet to your nightly routine will likely help you fall asleep faster. If nothing else, incorporating a warming foot massage or nice bath before bed can help you shift gears from your busy day, so you’re more relaxed and ready for slumber.
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About Our Editorial Team Eric Suni Staff Writer Eric Suni has over a decade of experience as a science writer and was previously an information specialist for the National Cancer Institute.
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